Pimping for Likes

A lot of bloggers have been posting their stats because it shows an increase in traffic to their blog. That’s awesome. We all want traffic to our blogs. That signifies growth for many of us.

However, there are some bloggers that aren’t doing that. You can tell by some of their depressing posts about not getting followers, viewers or maybe they should just stop blogging. A very pessimistic view towards blogging starts to emerge. So, I ask the questions…

Are we mainly blogging for traffic?

Are we pimping our content for likes instead of writing genuinely?

The question was asked by another blogger, Jason, An Opinionated Man, whether you are here for the views. Do you care about the number of views? Great question right? Many bloggers are definitely here for views because they are writers who want to increase traffic and/or promote their books. Jason, has over 1.4 million views to his blog. But, what if you never get that many views to your blog?

Will you stop blogging? Will you think your blog worthless? Jason spends a lot of time giving tips to other bloggers, promoting their blogs and writing himself (his own book of poetry and blog posts). One of the lessons that is apparent in those that have a huge viewing or following is that they spend a lot of time blogging. If this is a part-time hobby for you then why should you care about views? Check out my views: 21,176. I’m no where near as big as Jason’s blog.

My all-time daily view was 307 on November 9, 2014. It was for this short story called By Faith that I published on this great blog I love called For Harriet. That was my all time high. Does it matter that I haven’t gotten more views than that? Nope, but what I am learning from that is that if I want more traffic I need to increase exposure by publishing on blogs that have a huge readership.

Well, here are my stats from February:

Is it a bad thing that I don’t have that many views? Nope. I’m growing at the pace I’m supposed to. Sure, I would love to be bigger, who doesn’t? But, I ask myself this question…Do I have the time to write more than what I’m writing? The answer is no. I work a full-time job, do volunteer work, have a 7 year old son (who has activities) and I’m trying to be healthier. That means that I work out, hang out with my friends and read your blogs.

I’ve said before that I read between 100 – 200 posts a day because they feed through my email. Some of ya’ll post 3 times a day or more. LOL. I would have to cut that short or sleep less. I need sleep. I’m a better person because I’m well rested. I love the interactions with other bloggers and I love reading other people’s posts. Nothing is ever guaranteed, but for me right now I’m content with all that I have.

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Published by Tikeetha T

A mother to a beautiful boy and a businesswoman. I am divorced and dating and I talk about everything from parenting,co-parenting, relationships, dating and social issues. Follow my blog at https://athomaspointofview.com/
View all posts by Tikeetha T

Reblogged this on A Good Blog is Hard to Find and commented:
I think you definitely value the “view” for the connection it brings and your engagement back in reading so many posts weekly can only serve you in the end. It all comes around. Great stats! We all start from 0. -OM
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I tend to unfollow the blogs that start the “like me or else I may quit” dance. It annoys me to no end. I will like a blog if I like what you have posted not because you are trying to force me to like it. I also tend to unfollow the blogs that post 6-20 times a day because it clogs up my feeder and they are just posting one word or meme for likes. No new real content.

Good post, T. As much as I am a numbers geek, I try not to get caught up in the views trap. It is kind of a double edged sword, I blog to write and express myself but obviously want people to read it otherwise I would just keep a private diary. The numbers that impressed me the most are the number of blog posts you read per day. How do you manage to read 100 – 200 posts per day?

LOL, thanks Lynne! I literally start from the morning and until about 5 pm when I’m headed to the gym. Work time. I allow myself a break mostly on the weekends and then I’m reading more on Monday and Tuesday of the following week to catch up. I find it of more value to be a reader and interact with other bloggers than someone who just blogs and says the hell with what other people write. I’m too busy. We’re all busy. I just want my fellow bloggers to know that I am involved. Some stories encourage my spirit, motivate me, bring new insight or just general laughs. I need more laughter in my life.

You touch on a few important things here, and well said. However, I don’t post about my stats. I don’t post about blogging. Much. And when I do, it’s either as a guest blogger (which is a rare honour and privilege), or as a postscript. Although a goodly number (now) of my followers are fellow bloggers, they aren’t really interested in my blogging journey 9Most of them can teach me a thing or three). Nor are my non-blogger followers. Consequently, I watch my stats and share the odd milestone, but in the main, it’s The Husband I share that information with.

Now, in case I sound arrogant, ungrateful or critical, I’m not intending to: I appreciate every view and follow. I treasure every comment and acknowledge it. Of course, I do write what I like, and I use my stats, to some extent, to tell me if what I’m doing is still of interest. It’s different strokes for different folks and I have chosen to stick with what jives with me my readers.

Thanks for responding. Nope, you don’t sound arrogant or ungrateful. I am truly thankful for each and every follow and like, but what I want to caution against is stat watching and using that as a determination of your success. You define success. It’s individual. Write what you like and don’t focus on the numbers. Viewers and followers alike will come. It’s too easy to get dissuade by watching the numbers or writing content that you truly don’t believe in for more likes.

Great post. I think a lot of people are staring at the stats like hypnotised. 😉 But you are right of course, it all depends on how much time and effort you can and want to put into the blog. I have a “micro blog”, and I do more reading on other people’s blogs than writing on mine at the moment, but that is just the way it is. Still happy to be around. 🙂

Yep, me too. I try to blog 4-5 times a week. But, I spend a lot of time reading other people’s blogs. I don’t check my stats to wonder whether I’m doing a good job. I can determine that on my own. Do I have the time to do more is the question and at this point, I don’t have the bandwith.

Not sure how you even post your stats LOL, either way I blog for me and if someone wants to read it then great. If someone is helped by it even better. Whatever the motivation to blog it will vary from blogger to blogger, I dont even see myself as a ‘blogger ‘ I see myself more or a venter and find writing therapeutic..Like it or not, I will still do it, its not for anyone but me and yes I appreciate likes but why pimp for them? Lost me at the word Pimp I’m afraid Ha! 🙂

Thank you for reading. Yep, I totally agree. Write what you like. You will come across the blogs that are pimping for likes soon enough if you haven’t. You will then know that they are writing stuff that they don’t believe in only to increase their followers.

Ahh I get ya, to be honest, its hard enough to find time to write mine let alone ready many others, Likes I figure should be given if someone feels a post touches them, if not they will move on..matters little really but yours I do like LOL

I think we need to blog if the content is good. If the content is not good, don’t blog. i.e don’t blog for the sake of blogging. I definitely want readers but if I have nothing to say, I just keep kinda quiet…

Great post. I try not to get caught up in the numbers and compare myself to more established blogs. I have to remind myself that every one of these big bloggers started where I am right now. I blog because I need to get stuff off my chest and hope to connect with others. If it is meant to be the viewers will come. I just got to keep it up. Some people I guess get discouraged when something doesn’t happen right away… like me and weight loss!

Reblogged this on A Joyful Process and commented:
Had to share this post. It’s something that bloggers face all the time. I try not to get sucked in by the numbers, but it’s real easy to do. Truly, I write because I enjoy writing. Thanks, Tikeetha for this post.

You’re welcome. It’s true, it’s easy to get sucked in by the numbers. I had my best month last month, but all I did was write a few more posts and interact with a few more people. I can only write so much…and we all need to unplug every once in a while. I write because I love it, and it’s a chance to express myself as I see fit.

Last year, when I first started blogging, I was constantly checking my stats. I haven’t done this thing in months, because blogging for me became like a walk on the beach. You do it to enjoy the moment, not to check out who’s there. 🙂
Good post, Tikeetha!

Great post, Tikeetha! I don’t mind getting likes and comments at anytime but it’s not everything to me. I think if you truly like what you’re blogging about and you’re sincere, your readers see it. I have a full-time job and a 10 year old son, etc. but I want to make time to write/post. I want to make time to socialize with my readers and other bloggers on their blog. I truly love the whole blogging experience, whether it’s reading other posts, commenting, etc.

Thanks Lisa! I totally agree. We get busy. Life gets in the way. I know that I will probably never be as successful as other bloggers and I’m not mad because I know that they work super hard at their blogging. I don’t have enough hours in the day so I’m actually cool with it. I just get disappointed when people don’t work hard and are just putting out content with no substance at least 5 times a day to generate views and likes and then talk about not blogging because people are not liking their material. Really? Wow! Just be the best authentic you that you can be and grow it how you want. You don’t have to sell your soul to do so.

Reblogged this on Breathe Think Write Release and commented:
I had to reblog this, it’s such a great article for all of us bloggers to read.

For me I believe we must stay authentic, I write to share the constant noise in my mind to gain peace, I write for the release. Some days I write several times a day, sometimes a few days can past me by. I write because it’s what I do.. I breathe, I think, I write.. I release.
I’m forever grateful for my views, likes and follows.. but
my message will never change regardless. I will still always write whatever I feel, however and whenever I feel.

The post below reinforces what I believe. Stay true to yourself in all that you do.

Great post, Tikeetha! I also loved Jason’s. I mentioned there that I just took a week off from writing and reading and knew that my stats would be low or nil but that isn’t the reason I blog. And I was actually surprised that people were still checking me out. My stats are way lower than you or Jason, but I am happy with the steady pace I am growing. If I found I was in it for the stats, I would probably quit!

Thank you. Yep, I don’t do it for the stats because I know that I don’t have time to work like the other bloggers so I focus on what I can do and be content. I’m not mad at those who write great content and their blogs have high traffic rates. Those bloggers work at it. They don’t moan and cry “No one is following me. I suck. I’m going to stop blogging.” They keep working and honing their craft.

Before I started translating, I would only get about 500 views a month. But that hasn’t deterred me from blogging. I have lots of things I want to share with people, so I’m glad wordpress allows me to do that.

I love reading your blogs. To me, it doesn’t matter how “popular” you are. I love your content and your honesty.

I love this post. I blog once, twice a week. When I blog I want to have something to say, not just blogging to blog. I love it. I love reading and responding to other bloggers. I can’t spend that much more time on blogging. I have a family. I don’t want to be blogging all the time. I want to actively participate in my life. If I didn’t engage with the tangible, outside world, my blogs would be really boring! Thanks for the post. It made me feel better!

Aww, thank you. That’s what I want people to remember that blogging should be purposeful. I know I can’t grow my blog without sacrificing time. I’m just not ready to do so yet. Therefore, I’m happy with what likes I get and what followers I get. I want to be an engaged blogger and an engaged follower so I can’t sit back and complain that I don’t have the stats so and so has when I know that I’m not going to put in the time they do to grow their blog. Just be content. Thanks for the follow. I am following you now as well.

When I started blogging I felt allot of pressure to put posts out there, get likes, get views etc. Finally I decided months ago, what is this all worth? I decided to be happy, comment and like and help others if I could. I also read a post about blogging saying that if you don’t like doing it why bother? So, I post what I like, my silent walk may seem silly and weird but guess what? for some strange reason, it makes me happy and if anyone else likes it ok, if not that’s fine too. I have found that it is my creative outlet and I do what makes me feel happy. I really like what you said here!

Great post and one I wholeheartedly agree with. I read a lot of other blogs and enjoy the conversations that often follow and I try and post at least twice a week. I love the interactions more than anything and that ultimately leads to more stats and views which is undeniably satisfying.

I have to admit, seeing that little orange circle in the corner still brings me happiness every time I see it! I went about 2 months without any follower and had started to drift away from my blog, but then I took a blogging U course and I got those first few followers. At first, every time I got an email I had to check – instantly!! Then I started to notice that obsessive trend starting in myself. I set up a separate email for my blog and disconnected alerts from my phone. I still love when people interact with my blog, and I’ll post when I hit mile stones (or what I feel are milestones) just to thank the people who are here supporting me. But I’ve learned that I blog because it relaxes me to write. And I’ve discovered that even if all the followers left my site, I’d still need to be here to blog.

On a different note, I followed your lead and have started sending all new posts to my email. It makes it much easier to connect with others! So thanks for that suggestion! 🙂

That’s fantastic your stats are growing each month! Mine have been growing steadily since I started blogging a year and a half ago. Now I average about 50K views a month but it took a LOOOONNNGG time to get there, and at first I felt like no one was reading. I admit I’ve worked very hard to get the visibility I have now. It didn’t happen on its own. You really have to make it almost a full time job (and that’s hard when you still have to hang onto your day job).
That being said, I would blog even if I only had 10 views a month. Why? Because I’m doing something I love to do. I think when you just blog for the love of doing it, you’ll attract the traffic. It might take longer, but if you write from your heart, people can tell, and you’ll have devoted readers. You may not get the big numbers, but you’ll get people who care about you and your blog. People can always tell if you’re trying too hard to be popular. Yes, I do promote my blog for the numbers, but I never have and never will sell out. I write about the things that interest me and focus on emotional honesty. You’re doing great, keep going!

Aww. Thank you so much. I think you said it when you said you worked hard to grow your followers. There are so many people that don’t want to work for it and then complain about it. I blog at my own pace knowing the sacrifices that I would have to make in order to grow it more. I just don’t have the time. I blog knowing that I have loyal followers who get me and I get them. One day my focus may change but I’m okay with the slow and steady pace.

I just mentioned something like this in one of my previous posts, I can’t deny the fact that it feels good to see views, even greater when there’s comments. I tend to be carried away with numbers because I feel more appreciated and for me, the mere fact that others took time to read my post means it does have substance (I believe so). But I always remind myself about the main reason why I blog…sharing a part of my soul. Now, if other people viewed it, thank you. If they comment or followed, that’s a bonus. Great post!

I found this post via The Opinionated Man and thought it was great! I consider myself fairly new to the blog game, but I’ve always loved everything about fashion/beauty and I even went to school for it. I figured why not share my ideas to my family and friends and maybe pick up some new friends along the way. So I love what I blog about. I can’t deny that it does feel good to check your stats and see that at least ONE person viewed your post/posts and if I get a comment, It makes me happy because I love that interaction. However, if I have a day (and I do) with absolutely no views, it doesn’t matter because I love what I’m sharing and I think that’s key. 🙂

Sure interactions are great and views are good. It lets you know someone has an interest in what you do. I have been at this for a little over a year now. My numbers are low, my follower count is low, But I see it as an accomplishment still. I am sure my numbers will increase over time, and if so great, but I’m not going to throw in the towel any time soon.

I think you start to stumble when you start comparing your blog, your stats to someone else. They have their journey, you have yours. There are eleventy billion “experts” out there who will tell you how to have a “successful blog” and then tell you that “only you can define your success”.
I just wrote about my goals for the month of March and I have my work cut out for me. But it’s my journey, my progress. I can’t stop and say “Well, after 11 years I don’t have near the following Jason does I might as well give up”. Instead I say “That’s possible, I’m going to get that for myself”.

Jason writes quality content at an unusually prolific pace! Anytime someone blogs specifically for likes, it almost always backfires. Best to write meaningful content and be grateful for the views you do get! There is a saying… what you focus on expands. Have gratitude for the dozen followers and watch your audience expand.

A surefire way to NOT grow an audience is to complain about a lack of views.

wow!!your stats are great tho!!i get like a few hundred, at most a moth, feb i got 156…..but i try not to be to bothered, but who doesnt wanna have more stats??but i totally agree with you, blogging is for blogging, not stats!!

Yep. I’m not stat watching. I’m okay with those that are growing their followers because they are writing quality content and have bigger aspirations instead of just blogging. They do it religiously and give back to their community so I understand that drive. I have issues with those that don’t produce quality content and post multiple times a day only to get mad when no one likes or follows their blog. My advice is do what is best for you and your true followers will grow. thanks for posting.

LOL. I get that people are excited and especially for new blogs, but I just think we shouldn’t stat watch and write quality content that will develop loyal followers. I don’t care if I have 2 followers (my best friend and my male friend) who read my stuff consistently, I’ll still write. It’s those bloggers who cry over people not following them and want you to tell them what to write to attract more followers. It’s like…write what makes you happy.

Great post! Strange that I was thinking about this earlier today.😊 Personally I don’t care about stats. I started blogging by “default” – I signed up for Writing 101 and as a way to get a writing habit and I never left. When I sit still enough to get a 1st draft of my novel complete then I’ll start looking at stats. Until that time, it’s all about fun, daily writing to keep myself accountable and reading other bloggers! Cheers!

Indeed…good point. I am excited to have just received 201 likes. lol But that excitement stems from the concept of someone reading my posts and finding meaning behind my words. It would not feel as good if they are just empty clicks. I’m not getting paid for blogging. I write. I feel good when I think people are reading and being moved by my work.
You’ve written a great piece, and people are benefiting from your perspective. Well done!
@MmePhilosopher

I love your perspective here. While I would be dishonest to say that I would not like to go viral, my expectations are much smaller and more realistic.

I also appreciate that you are not willing to sacrifice quality for quantity. If your readers are slowly gathered, they expect a certain level of commitment to excellence. It takes more than average determination to realize this, but doing so seems to increase loyalty.

I love looking at my stats, but they are not the be all and end all of my blogging life, like you I would love to become bigger, but sometimes life takes over. I was done with a bad cold and could barely lift a finger let alone write a blog (I am one of those that can blog up to four times a day) and my stats fell, it didn’t bother me. I was not interacting with people so they were not interacting with me. I was excited people were still checking in with me.

We actually share the same perspective. it really feels good to be able to share something valuable and others appreciate it. When I started blogging 5 likes makes me happy already. I always remind myself that the reason why I blog is mainly for therapy and enjoyment. If there will be more than 5 likes and comments that would be a bonus. Cheers!

This is by far one of the realest blog posts I’ve read this week! Do it for the love, not for the likes. Speak what’s on your heart and mind, and the people will come that are meant to. Thank you so much for writing this, your sharing has inspired me to want to share my own thoughts about the question you originally posed. I am in total agreement!

LOL. Thank you so much. Blogs grow at different speeds and I feel that if you love what you do then just do it. Don’t complain about the people not stopping by or liking it. It will be fine. Everything happens in due season. Thanks again for reading and commenting.

Yes, some people just asked their friends to like them. My sister told her coworkers, the whole family, her friends to like her website. She got a sudden increase in traffic. I just don’t care that much about traffic. I got more than a 100 view in October last year and do not know what happen? Anyway, I am satisfied for having the chance to express myself. In fact, I am worry about to go public.

This was an interesting read. I am relatively new to blogging, so haven’t run across any “pay attention to me, or I’ll quit” bloggers, but I would be inclined to look the other way. I’m not into drama queens (or kings).

I liked your point about how much time it takes to create and maintain those uber successful (by the numbers) blogs. I won’t lie. I like the little orange dot telling me I have a comment, and I like getting new followers as much as the next person (if they’re authentic – I don’t have time for the “I followed your blog, now please follow mine” game).

I often have to remind myself why I started the blog in the first place:
*to keep my friends and family updated as I travel
*to have somewhere to share some of the 532 pictures I take on a daily basis
*to interact with other like-minded (or interesting and differently-minded) people

I would be embarrassed to post junk that my mom or my real life friends wouldn’t want to read.

Welcome to blogging. Yes, we all get excited about new comments or followers, but I think some may lose sight of why they started to write. They feel like they are producing quality work and no one is commenting, liking or following their page. Their watching their stats like it’s the NBA playoffs instead of just writing. We all want followers, but don’t we want the genuine ones? The ones that will read and share our stuff? I know I do.

T, I enjoy seeing the ‘Likes’ and comments – when I started blogging is was for me and continues to be for me. Nobody has to read it – my blog and posts are challenges I set for me, and if nobody reads them, that is ok, I accomplished the goal I set for myself. Thanks for a great post. Happy day to you! 🙂

I think too many bloggers are playing the “number game” and focus too much on the amount of follwers and readers. Like you, I like the interaction with bloggers, but I although asked bloggers to unfollow me…not kidding., (One can only deal with a certain amount of highly stupid comments).

I had to smile. I tend to unfollow bloggers who post more than three times a day…can’t do it. I have a life. 🙂

LOL. For those bloggers that post more than 3 times a day I actually have most of my posts sent to my email and have theirs sent daily because I don’t want the constant email. Thanks for the follow and I’m following you too now.